Key Fob Replacement and Repair

Key fobs on modern cars are very efficient and are subject to lots of abuse. Sometimes, a simple repair or replacement is all it takes to make them functional again.

Most fobs are powered by flat watch-style battery, which is readily available in auto parts and hardware stores. Before you call an expert, try a few DIY solutions!

Dead Key Fob Battery

The battery of the key fob powers the remote you have in your car and in push-to start cars, it can start your engine. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy, working battery. A dead key fob can be an issue for anyone in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that a cheap, simple replacement is able to fix the issue quickly.

The most common sign that a key fob battery is dying is the loss of signal strength and range. You may also notice that the buttons on your fob don't work or require additional effort to be activated.

You will often find a new key fob battery in the auto parts section of a large box retailer or online. They are typically CR2032 and CR2025 and are sold in packs of 2 or more. However it's best to read the owner's manual prior to purchasing the correct battery for your fob. Certain vehicles require a particular size or type of battery, which isn't always available at big-box stores. Be sure to research before purchasing.

The battery is usually found on the back of the key fob. It is removed using the flat-bladed screwdriver, by removing the case. The battery will appear like a small coin, and it will be labeled according to its size. Be sure to note the orientation of the plus and minus marks so that you can put the new battery in the correct place. After the replacement battery has been installed, gently snap the two pieces of the fob in place and test all of the buttons to make sure they function.

If your key fob doesn't work after replacing the battery, it might have been deprogrammed. In this instance you'll need to call an expert locksmith and it will cost you a little more than simply replacing the battery of your key fob.

YourMechanic's experienced mechanics can repair your key fob key repair (visit this site) if it is damaged or if the battery is dead. Make sure to look over all of our services available in your area and schedule an appointment now!

Weak Signals

If you notice that your key fob isn't responding as you would expect to the buttons on the remote, this could be an indication of a problem with signaling. Your car key fob repair service and key fob rely on radio signals to communicate, and weak or inconsistent signals could cause poor range and performance.

The battery level of your fob is a good idea since it can have a significant impact on the sensitivity of your signal. Resetting the settings on the fob can aid in restoring a more constant response. The procedure differs from vehicle to vehicle, so your owner's manual or call to the help line of the manufacturer is probably the best resource here.

Other factors, including interference from other devices operating at the same frequency can also contribute to weak signals. Other key fobs as well as wireless communication devices could interfere with the signal RF (radio-frequency) signals that your key fob sends to connect to the vehicle's receiver.

Finally physical damage to your key fob can also interfere with the transmission of RF signals, which may result in poor performance and range. A damaged or blown fuse, a broken or cracked buttons or bent fob case can affect the transmission of signals and cause the remote to not respond.

There are a few easy steps you can follow to try and resolve the issue of weak fob signals, such as resetting the fob's settings, or replacing the battery. If, however, your fob is worn out, it's probably time to replace it completely.

Also, don't forget if you have an extra key fob which comes with your vehicle, this can be used as a replacement for the primary remote in case it begins to fail. It's worth trying this solution to determine if it resolves the issue before you invest in a new one. In this case it may be the right time to contact an auto-locksmith professional. They will be able to identify the issue and suggest the best course of actions.

Physical Damage

Key fobs can be troublesome occasionally. Luckily, the majority of these problems are not complicated or a major issue and can be resolved with some simple steps. It's also a good idea to have spare batteries or even another key fob in the event that one of your keys ever stops working.

A dead battery is the most common reason for a car key and repair keyfob not working. These tiny devices are powered by lithium-ion button or coin cell batteries. They can be replaced easily and can be found at most pharmacies, food stores and shops that sell electronics. You can remove your fob's casing using a screwdriver with a flat head and gently pry out the existing battery. Replace the battery, making sure it's not damaged or loosened. The majority of fobs use CR2032 batteries, however yours may require an alternative kind.

When your fob loses its pairing, it may also cease to respond to buttons. This could be due to many factors including changing the batteries. However, an auto Locksmith or local dealership will usually be able to solve the issue.

If none of the methods above work, try this method: disconnect the battery from the car and the fob for a short period of time and then reconnect them in a reverse order. This could cause the system to restart, and in some cases it will resolve the issue without additional steps.

Keep the fob out of water or other sources of damage while trying out new techniques. The fob is tough but you need to take care of it to ensure it lasts as long as it can.

If all of the above troubleshooting suggestions don't help, it might be time to consider replacing your key fob. If it's been thrown around or tripped on, or subjected to other extreme environmental conditions, it could be damaged beyond repair and in need of a replacement. If that's the case, you should be sure to search to find a bargain before making your final choice.

Lost Fob

Even with the best care keys to cars can fail at times. It can be expensive to replace yours when it is lost particularly when you don't have a spare. "You could end up paying $50 or more to purchase an equivalent replacement from the dealer and then have it programmed, plus a new mechanical backup which could cost you at least another $100," says Mel Yu an automotive analyst with Consumer Reports.

A weak battery is one of the most frequent reasons for a keyfob to cease to function. You can try changing the battery yourself when you know how, or get instructions from your owner's manual. If this doesn't work, you'll have to call an expert.

A locksmith can help you replace or find the lost key fob. They'll also have an idea of why your fob was not working in the first instance. If your car is a model older than the one you own and has no smart technology built-in it is possible to save money by finding the key number plate that is on your existing mechanical backup key (it's typically hidden behind a decorative keychain) and storing it in a secure location, such as in your wallet or on your phone. If you need to reprogram the key fob of your car the locksmith can perform the task more easily.

If your current key fob is a smart key of the present, you'll have to visit an auto dealer or locksmith to remove it from the system and have an entirely new one and this can be more expensive than replacing it. Modern key fobs are protected by encryption using rolling-codes that prevents thieves from getting access to your car remote key fob repair. That means that the locksmith must have an exclusive programming tool that only the vehicle manufacturer is equipped with, which adds to the overall expense.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to pay for the entire service at once, including any costs to reprogram the new key fob. This can range from $20 in some stores to over $200 at car dealerships, depending on the model of vehicle.